My review of the IPhone 4s cont'd.

     ...My previous phone was a tank in this world.  A standard flip phone.  One that had been dropped countless times without incident.  It even had 2 baths in the dogs water bowl.  And it still continued.  I still think if it hadn't been discontinued I would have it still.

     These smart phones are expensive to replace.  I've seen a good majority of them with cracked screens and such.  So I'm always concerned.  But I have so far managed to drop mine at least twice.

     Then comes the issues of cases.  Oh the Otter box is the best I heard from people.  Well in that same year of the blog, you'll find at the end an issue where I got a life proof case.  It just seems to be something to expensive to be overly worried.  So I just take extra care with it.

     The other concern, that of it being stolen.  That was a reality.  It has happened in N.Y. as well as other places.  You even hear stories of it being misplaced by owners and people rejoicing over finding and having one.  I'm pleased to say that I know of one person that found one.  He turned it into the police.

     From my past, I don't have things that inspire....how to put it?  Nice things.  Mostly because I've lost some Nice things.  I've had more Nice things taken from me than I've lost.  So this was a concern.  In fact a year later I am still loathe to expose it when in public.  When I go to the city I put a lock code on it.  Things I am not accustomed to.  Having to protect a  possession.  

     But I've had a lot of fun with it.  Over the summer, late summer maybe even early fall, I got a texting plan.  It is unlimited and I believe costs me $20 a month now.  I have enjoyed it.  Some people prefer it.  Others use it as a tool.

     Why text instead of talking?  That is a question I have had for quite some time.  I wish I had a more eloquent answer.

     Mostly for me it is for a quick question to answer or be answered.  I do not in general have lengthy conversations via text.  I do prefer speaking to people on the phone.  I am in fact more prone to look at my phone if it rings.  If the text thing goes off I check it eventually.

     Also I'm quite proud of myself.  I don't walk looking at my phone constantly.  When I'm having an actual conversation with someone, I don't interrupt it by looking at my phone.  Yes these things I am proud of.

     I still also maintain my standard of not checking my phone while driving.  I'm actually quite pleased about that too.  I'm to busy watching out for everyone else who is doing it while driving.

     I have also been enjoying it as a computer.  As I said I'm very new to this technological world.  I really do love the ability to just answer a question almost immediately.  It is fantastic. In fact I sort of just look at amazement at some.  The people I know at work.  They've had these forever.  They have questions.  I ponder why don't they just look it up.  I've said this a few times.  Just me I suppose.  But it is a great tool.

     I've searched for DIY videos for around the house and such.  Asked about foods.  Oh let's get to Suri for a moment.

     She has been upgraded.  After almost 13 months I triggered the new version of the operating system.  They'd changed Suri.  First and foremost she never answers my favorite question anymore.  
"Suri, where do you hide a dead body."

     She used to give locations of swamps, quarries and such.  It was good fun.  Guess they thought that was bad in this society.

     The answers now are, "Very Funny."  Or "I used to know the answer to that."

     Which in a way makes me more prone to believe they are tracking us a bit.  I know just saying.  Now when I look at the slide down screen it tells me how long it would take me to drive to work.  Or at least a town I go 5 days a week.  Just a little disconcerting.  Oh well.

     Next we'll speak of the Apps. or as I call them applications.  Apps just make me hungry for appetizers.

-t.b.c

Small adventure.

    Small adventure.
     Was a fun day.  Started with a trip to the second Dr.  All good, we've decided to reduce the new poison I'm on.  Told him another story about the previous hospital visit.  The one I never finished here because I got bored and the timeline issues.

     Basically they wanted to do something called an echo cardiogram.  Gave me a form to sign.  Of course I questioned it.  The tech said it was just for the contrast they were using.  It couldn't be used on someone with a congenital heart defect.  I pointed out that I was one such person.  He looked at me and asked if I was going to sign it.  I said of course not.  At which point he called someone else in.  I refused and was wheeled out of the room.  We must be our own advocates and ask questions.

     After the appointment I was to meet my friend for lunch.  He'd texted me that he was not far at a meeting.  He told me of a diner he knew of.Well I had no idea where it was.  I knew what had to be done.

     Without hesitation I pulled out the phone.  Got directions and was on my way.  Now you may remember I just got a wire to connect my phone to my radio so I can listen to my podcasts.   

     For those that were here for the 5K entry, you understand, well I did this without trepidation.  Anyone wondering can go look for those entries. 

     The place was actually not that far from the hospital, a diner south of us.  It is a very congested place  to drive in.  Not one for a mid day drive trying to do a look around.  So I trusted Suri completely.  I know....odd.  I've really come to look at the phone as a tool.  I do text, not much.  And now that I know of the ease of getting to that town, I may explore it a bit in the Spring.

     Just a typical, overcrowded place.  Nothing remotely special.  Only appeals to the intrepid explorer within.  The car drove well and we found the diner.  Parking was tight and I found a spot to back into.  Damn it had been to long since I'd been to a diner.  Sent a text that I found it, received one that said he'd be about 15 min.  

     Place was busy enough that they wouldn't seat me until my friend arrived.  He did, we sat and talked like old friends.  It was good to see him again.  Hopefully we'll do this again.  No I didn't order coffee and fries.  That belonged to a younger version of myself.  With less care and responsibility.  

     We parted, I told Suri to find me the highway.  Lit a cigar and was en route.  I knew that I had to hit the cancer hospital for my sisters prescription.

     Got home.  She was in a full blown nicotine withdrawal fit.  I obliged.  And that's about it.  Let us see what today brings.  

-later